A draft Climate Change Policy aiming for zero emissions by 2050 has been developed by Council and will be exhibited for community feedback.

This first consistent Policy for the Central Coast sets key actions on climate change as well as implements community initiatives for climate mitigation, adaptation and resilience. The Policy will enable Council to align its operations and strategic planning with the NSW State Climate Change Policy Framework and aspirational objectives to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.

Mayor Jane Smith said climate change is a real global problem and this Policy highlights the crucial role local government play in driving initiatives and taking the lead on climate change for their communities.

“The effects of climate change and extreme weather events are being felt all around the world and here we are experiencing the worst drought in NSW for decades,” Mayor Smith said.

“Our community told us through our Community Strategic Plan consultation that they want us to address climate change and its impacts through responsible planning and collaboration and that is the intention of this Policy.

“Council is serious about reducing emissions and the action plan provides us with a clear pathway to responsibly reduce emissions and to become more resilient to climate change.”

The Policy commits Council to implement actions for mitigation, adaptation and ongoing resilience planning on Climate change including:

• Climate Change Action Plan – use a place-based approach to develop corporate and community targets for emissions reduction, promote mitigation initiatives such as uptake of renewable energy and continue on the adaptation pathway to build regional climate resilience.
• Urban Sustainability strategy – roadmap to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across Council operations – waste management, energy management and plant and fleet and built form.
• Energy and Emission Reduction Policy – to manage energy needs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions across Council operations
• Sea Level Rise policy – provide a consistent flood planning level for the Central Coast
• Disaster Resilience Strategy – enhance Council and community resilience to disasters
• Urban Forestry Strategy – improve canopy cover in urban spaces for promote cooling effect and ensure carbon emissions are offset through formalized tree planting
• Biodiversity Strategy – set the direction for conservation, environmental stewardship and ecologically sustainable development

Council will also join the Cities Power Partnership (CCP), a free national local government program that focusses on supporting the emission reduction successes of local councils in Australia. Member councils, of which there are currently 70, commit to 4 pledge items across renewable energy, energy efficiency, sustainable transport and working together.

“We need real actions and I am looking forward to seeing how the community respond to and engage with this Policy as we work together to find the best way to tackle the effects of climate change and make positive change here on the Coast,” Mayor Smith said.

“As part of the consultation we want to hear what concerns our community have about climate change so we can address them together.

“We need to be responsible and stand up for our way of life on the Coast and protect it for generations to come.”

Two workshops will be held during the consultation period for the draft Policy. Information on the Policy and how to make a submission will be found at yourvoiceourcoast.com

ENDS

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